Fact and fiction

On top of the fact we are faced with having to rename our premesis, a stinking summer cold has settled in, the mood is generally not good, and the only available cure is a lttle spleen venting, so excuse us if we become a little self indulgent.

How does a transfer rumour start? It would seem that many are a simple ripple effect, with their integrity increasing the more sources quote them, which is where the t'internet becomes a very bad thing.

Devoid of self regulation and in an ever increasing search for hits, supposition is frequently passed off as fact with no attempt to offer an opinion on a story's validity, today being a prime example.

Two rumours spring to mind.

Chris Iwelumo is currently 'though to be' a target for Mick McCarthy, as is Darron Gibson, who spent time on loan at Wolves last season, where he made 21 appearances before returning to Old Trafford.

By who? The Glasgow Sunday Mail, The Star and The People Mail no less, causing this to be one of the most discussed issues amongst Wolves fans atthe moment.

Iwelumo made 46 appearances for Charlton last year,ending as their top scorer.

All good so far.

He's also a couple of weeks shy of 30, and his total haul last season was ten goals out of 32 appearances.

We'd be better off getting the injury prone Bambi McLeod off them, who's almost as unprolific in The Championship, but at least has time on his side.

And what of young Darron?

Little over 12 months ago, SAF was quoted as saying he was one of an exceptional group of youngsters ready to break into the United first team, saying

".... when you are 19, you can appease them by putting them on loan for a spell.

"But, once they have had that loan period, they don`t want to be on loan forever. They want to come back and get into the first team.

'....if we decided to bring them on at the same time? I think we will probably do that. That will be a challenge for them then but also a reminder to everyone else that there are players looking to take their position."

Having travelled with seven of United's all conquering European side to Aberdeen this weekendd, SAF doesn't look to have changed that opinion, although his stay at Molieux did little to back up the great man's asessment. Challenging for an Old Trafford place, or challenging for a Championship run out. You decide.

One current rumour I really would like to be true is our supposed interest in Fulhams Lee Cook.

There is still a real concern surrounding lack of serious competition on the flanks and Cook would certainly provide that.